Engaged Buddhism Flashcards
engaged buddhism
- Isn’t a sect but is a movement in the Buddhist religion.
- Was founded by Thich That Hanh in the 20th century.
- Can be understood as an expression/expansion of interconnectedness.
Dalai Lama significance of social activism quote
Says ‘it is not enough to be compassionate, you must act.’
Mahayana Buddhism and engaged buddhism
Mahayana Buddhists would believe that engaged Buddhism is important as it aligns with the bodhisattva ideal as they emphasise compassion.
Ken Jones
- Founder of engaged Buddhist organisations in the UK.
- Argues that Buddhism focuses on the interconnectedness of all things so that all Buddhists should be engaged with social problems.
- Believes that instead it should be called socially engaged Buddhism.
Barbara O’Brien buddhist can accept war
Historically Buddhists have engaged in war. For example, in 621CE monks from the Shaolin temple of China fought in a battle that helped establish the Tang Dynasty.
The Dalai Lama war is ok
You can fight as long as it is limited self-defence. For example, if a man is aiming to shoot you, you can shoot him, but to wound, not kill.
Barbara O’Brien war isn’t ok
Argues that resolution can be achieved through non-violent means. For example, in 2007 protests were started by Buddhist monks in response to the government’s decision to raise oil and gas prices.
Thich Nhat Hanh on inward looking and meditation
Argues that mindfulness and meditation do not lead to an inward looking approach but rather help us stay in the moment and know the best thing to do.
Ian James Kidd
In the past Buddhism has been seen as a pessimistic doctrine encouraging passivity and a retreat from life.
The Buddha and environment
The Buddha is a good example as he is portrayed as being interconnected to the environment.
ahimsa
non-injury of other beings.
